Flower Boy Next Door: Episode 2

What a breath of fresh air. This show has just the right mix of quirkiness, hilarity, and heart, with a really lovely indie sensibility. I love rom-coms in all forms, but it’s nice to depart from the glossy studio sheen on a lot of them. This world feels rich and lived-in, and every character feels real. Not necessarily realisitic, I mean, but grounded with an emotional truth even in the midst of all the romance-comic-book-like trappings.

What tvN has done right with its programming isn’t just throwing together a bunch of pretty people and slapping a “flower boy” label on them—or I suppose I should say, that’s not all they’ve done. Their dramas still remember to have an emotional center, and characters we care about, and that’s why I keep coming back for more.

There are a lot of things that Flower Boy Next Door is doing well, but one of my favorite things is a heroine with depths to explore. A bright, bubbly hero doesn’t hurt, either.

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EPISODE 2: “Just leave me alone! Please!!”

Pulling back to the moments leading up to last episode’s ending, our scruffy cartoonist Jin-rak finds a folded note in his door from “Apartment 402.”

He opens it up to find: “How to Cut Down Apartment Management Bills.” Omg that’s so cute. Remember when Dok-mi was hurrying out to catch the puppy owner and got sidetracked by sidekick Dong-hoon, who wanted to know why she paid less than they did? She told him she’d write him a note giving him tips, and she actually did it. She’s adorable.

As Dok-mi’s voice narrates, we see her living what she preaches: Reusing every bit of water, hand-washing clothing, wearing outdoor jackets indoors. It’s living by the hot water bottle, and she’s an expert.

But she’s not totally ingenuous about it, because she caps the letter off with a P.S.: Could he take over for her as protest leader today? (She’d gotten roped into it by the security guard.)

Dong-hoon comes up to read the letter, and tsks-tsks at her stingy practices, like not flushing the toilet after every use. Shudders. His simplistic brain doesn’t pick up on what Jin-rak does: that she’s hiding her poverty with her miserliness. “How transparent,” he says.

Dong-hoon points out that this makes Dok-mi his ideal woman, since he looooves transparency in people. Heh. I don’t think he’s far off the mark on this one.

Since Dok-mi’s note asks for a response, Jin-rak heads out to give it but is stopped by the quirky new neighbor at his door. He’s Watanabe Ryu (played by Mizuta Kouki), and he’s freaking adorable with his muffin basket and ear-splitting grin.

They let him in and Ryu looks around in childlike wonder at everything. Grumpy Jin-rak grumps grumpily about the rock muffins while Dong-hoon sees the new drawing he’s drawn, wondering why their new webtoon character looks so familiar. Gee, why do you suppose?

We revisit the scene of Peeping Dok-mi getting caught by Angry Panda, aka Enrique, who by the way has matching panda slippers. He cracks me up and I love him.

Enrique stomps over to her building as Dok-mi freaks out and tries to hide under her desk. Lol. She peers out her peephole… and sees Enrique’s face in the fisheye lens, glaring at her.

He rings her bell repeatedly, persistently, and Dok-mi clutches at her pounding head.

We transition to either a memory or a fantasy: Dok-mi sits in a therapist’s chair, dressed in a school uniform, eyes closed as her shrink asks what she hates most. Answer: “The sound of pounding on a door. A telephone ring. The intercom. My name being called.” Ah, so this must be memory.

Why does she hate them? “Because it means I have to meet somebody.” The doctor asks how long she’s felt this way—did it start “after that incident”? Eyes still closed, Dok-mi starts to cry.

Present-day Dok-mi cowers at her door while Enrique gets madder and vows, “Well if digital won’t work, we’ll have to go analog.” You mean because frantic slap-dancing with the door button is your idea of finesse?

With that, Enrique launches himself at the door like a monkey, kicking and pounding. He threatens to call the cops on her, and Dok-mi imagines her face splashed across the tabloids for being arrested as a pervert.

The fuss is so loud that it draws the attention of the boys next door. Oh, is Jin-rak literally one apartment over? And Ryu is on the other side? Dong-hoon recognizes the crazy guy, and Jin-rak starts to scoff, “Why would Enrique even BE — oh look, it IS Enrique.”

Dong-hoon seems to have a fixation with capturing embarrassing moments on video, and he whips out his phone. But Ryu fidgets and the flower boy totem pole topples over, finally getting Enrique’s notice. They wonder whether Dok-mi could possibly be his girlfriend (which just makes the kicking-him-out–in-his-boxers scenario funnier).

Hilariously, Enrique he tries to affect an air of somebody who isn’t totally nuts and asks if they know the “man-person” who lives here. I love the bits of awkward Korean sprinkled through his dialogue. He launches into the explanation of how the man-person in Apartment 402 has totally been peeping in on him.

But the security guard grabs Enrique and calls him the pervert, which isn’t a strange conclusion to arrive at given his current state of pandawear.

Finally Dok-mi musters her nerve and steps outside. One good look reminds Enrique of seeing her at his (hyung’s) door yesterday, baby-talking to the dog. He starts accusing her again, and the men all jump to restrain him.

Dok-mi screws her eyes shut, then interrupts in a barrage of words: “Ajusshi-that-person-came-because-of-me-it’s-true-I’m-the-one-who-did-wrong.”

Jin-rak takes charge, telling Dok-mi that he’ll handle this and sending her back inside. He’ll also take over her protest leader duties. He tells the guard this is all a misunderstanding stemming from the two apartments being built too closely, and disperses the group.

Dong-hoon enjoys the idea of women peeping too, like it’s some sort of validation of his gender. Jin-rak, on the other hand, scoffs that she’s not the type to do that—she’s too nice and sweet and yes, transparent.

Dong-hoon gives him the shifty-eye and narrates, “Bachelor No. 1 has just expressed favorable interest in Miss 402.” Jin-rak shoves his foot in his face. Ha, I love their dynamic.

Still peevish, Enrique takes a seat right in front of his window and plants himself there, facing Dok-mi’s window. He starts writing something.

The next morning, Dok-mi opens her curtains to find Enrique at his window, waving at her with a gleam in his eye. She ducks away, but he’s still there the next time she ventures a peek, and the third time he’s gone but has posted a sign to let her know, “I will be back soon.” Are those devil eyes he drew under the message? HA.

Dok-mi finds her fridge is empty and her rice stash low. But she doesn’t want to leave the apartment, nor does she want a delivery. Sigh. Which is the lesser evil?

Jin-rak explains his new webtoon concept to the supervising PD, explaining how the heroine is happiest when alone at home, but the appearance of the girl’s next-door neighbor draws her out into the world. The PD wonders how Jin-rak could have come up with such a complete story, and he says he’s been working on it for the three years since he moved into his apartment. (Aw, is he using himself as hero material?)

The PD is practically wild-eyed with interest, waaay too invested in this webtoon. It’s great. She demands, “Why can’t that guy just confess his feelings already?!”

Jin-rak gets just as impassioned in his reply that you have to consider what the confession would do to the woman, and in her confusion the confession could get rejected or their acquaintance cut off completely. Thus there can be no shy confessions in this world, just bold ones. “He’s afraid she’ll be thrown into chaos! He’s afraid she’ll be hurt!”

She gives them the good news: the webtoon is a go. Send over the preview and make plans for Episode 1.

The boys are thrilled. They move in for a high-five, and Jin-rak high-fives Dong-hoon’s face. Ah, I love this show.

That afternoon, Dok-mi apprehensively joins the neighborhood meeting on the rooftop, and Jin-rak gets in touch with his inner hero (wannabe)—all of a sudden he’s gung-ho to lead the protest in Apartment 402’s place. Hee. Dok-mi sends him a little nod of thanks, which totally makes his day.

After the meeting, he hangs back to address Dok-mi alone, his voice hilariously dropping another register to sound extra-manly. The added formal inflection sounds vaguely sageuk-y mixed with a dash of lawyer. Oh man, I need a Jin-rak of my own.

Of course, Dong-hoon waits outside to protest that he’s totally going overboard, and Jin-rak slaps his mouth shut and hisses for him to shush.

Enrique, meanwhile, arms himself with a video camera and a murderous glint in his eye. He heads over to the roof and confronts Dok-mi. Alone.

She wills herself to keep silent, but he presents her with a voice recording: It’s her call to emergency services about the neighbor’s dog. Ah, so the emergency workers did drop by, and Enrique asked for the recording. He realizes she must’ve been peeping in on the dog, not on him, and pesters her to reply.

Dok-mi keeps her sarcastic thoughts to herself, but unnervingly Enrique uses the exact same wording back at her, which startles her. She thinks, “I’m not an ajumma, I’m in my twenties. Just go away!” He goes on, “Say something like ‘I’m not an ajumma, go away!'”

He adds that he overreacted this morning and wanted to explain. She thinks longingly of being in her own room, and he pesters, “Don’t just think of how you wanna go home and answer me!”

Wide-eyed, Dok-mi looks straight at Enrique and thinks at him, “Can you hear me?” He answers, “Yeah!” which freaks her out, then adds, “…that’s how you should look at someone when they talk to you!” Haha.

Okay, so he’s not a mind-reader but they’re working some uncanny telepathy, since she wonders why he thought she was a man, just as he wonders the same thing himself.

In any case, he makes sure she understood his explanation, and Dok-mi just nods and nods and nods in a nervous motion. Enrique stops her with a finger, telling her one was enough, and then… there’s a moment. Silence, recognition, something in the air between them…

…at least from her end. ‘Cause then he just chirps on like it was nothing, leaving her staring in confusion.

Enrique suggests moving their conversation out of the cold, but in the second his back is turned Dok-mi darts for the door. Hee.

She scrambles for her keys, but in a flash he beats her to the door and keeps on chattering. Oh my lord, he’s adorable and puppy-like and he TALKS SO MUCH. He’s like a 9-year-old on speed.

The thing is, Enrique’s chattiness seems as much an affectation as anything, and there’s a perceptive guy underneath all that gab. He rattles off how a goalkeeper seems like a great position in soccer ’cause you can use your hands, but it’s actually lonely and you’re left defending the goal all by yourself. “You’re the goalkeeper,” he tells her.

He says it’s a really tough position to play, and lifts a fist in encouragement: “Be strong!” Off he goes.

Dok-mi heads inside, touching a hand to the forehead he poked. She growls, “That little kid dares mock an ajumma?” Then she shakes her head—wait, he’s got her thinking she’s an ajumma already!

Enrique leaves the building complaining that the ajumma didn’t say a word, though he wonders why it felt like they’d had a conversation.

He heads out into the city with his camera out, which gets the paparazzi’s notice, and heads over to give an interview. He starts out charming the reporters, but his way of talking through the bullshit (but with a sunny smile!) sours some of their moods. He takes a bus home, and already the internet is abuzz with photos of him being seen around the city—but with derisive messages about how he’s childish and cocky.

Seo-young texts about the Enrique pasta he promised to make for her, and now that he’s not in front of her he’s not working so hard to keep up that I-don’t-care-that-you-chose-hyung attitude.

Seo-young texts hyung Tae-joon next, who turns out to be a doctor. The way he sighs at her message (about seeing each other tonight, a year since the last time) suggests her love just might be the one-sided kind. Either that or hyung feels guilty for taking Enrique’s girl.

Dok-mi ventures out to take care of some errands, and ends up in browsing the same grocery store Enrique’s shopping at. They miss each other as they roam the aisles, though she does perk up to hear his familiar voice.

And then… the arrival of a mysterious woman. She parks outside the apartment building in a fancy-looking car as a man reports that it didn’t take very long to find that person, who moved here three years ago. Hm, Jin-rak’s ex perhaps?

The residents gather in front to have their daily protest, just as Dok-mi heads home with her purchases. Aw, who else feels a terrible sympathy pang for the way Jin-rak just lights up to see her? His voice booms even louder as she joins them, while Dong-hoon practically starts singing “Jin-rak and Dok-mi, singin’ in a tree…”

The mysterious woman, Cha Do-hwi (Park Su-jin), steps out of her car and grimaces at the dingy building. She follows the voice to the courtyard, and then…. the scene takes on a rosy glow, angels sing, and she fixates on the hottie leading the demonstration.

Then Do-hwi spies Dok-mi hanging back in the group, and calls out Dok-mi’s name in surprise.

Dok-mi doesn’t quite look thrilled to see her, but Do-hwi squeals in recognition and hugs her.

Flashback. High school. Do-hwi is the mean girl, Dok-mi is her bullying victim. Dok-mi asks, “Why are you doing this to me?” Do-hwi says, “Just because.”

It must not be Dok-mi that she came to find, though, since this run-in comes as a surprise. Enrique pops by and joins in the conversation, and when asked who he is, he replies that he’s the guy on the opposite side of the impeding-view fight, “Like Romeo and Juliet, we’re enemies in the apartment battle, but we became friends.”

Dok-mi reels in shock this whole time, perhaps retreating into her schoolgirl trauma, though nobody notices. Granted, it’s not like she’s a talker even on a good day. But when the crowd gets boisterous and Enrique starts to head over to check out the fuss, Dok-mi grabs his arm and actually holds him back.

She looks at him with those big, tearful eyes and ekes out, “I… I…”

It sounds like she’s asking him for help, but before she finishes the thought she falls in a dead faint. Enrique grabs her before she falls.

Maybe it’s a flashback or maybe it’s a dream, but we watch as Dok-mi writes another passage in her work-in-progress. Scenes from earlier today flash by in her mind, illustrating her words.

“Her mouth is like a broken faucet in a mountain village. When it’s needed, not one drop comes out, and in the middle of a silent night it flows on its own. In that moment, all the words she couldn’t speak come pouring out belatedly. She vows, Next time, I should answer like this, I should make this retort. That woman speaks the most impressive lines when she’s alone.”

Now she sees flashbacks to her high school days, when she was singled out for bullying.

Dok-mi stirs awake and finds herself on a couch. That dog, Hippo, goes trotting by. She’s in a strange apartment, but she looks around and recognizes items from her days peeking in through the windows. She imagines Tae-joon here too, going about his day, smiling at her.

Enrique’s in the kitchen preparing dinner, and tells her she fainted. Since his hyung is a doc, she can get him to check her out since he’ll be home soon.

That won’t do, and Dok-mi quickly excuses herself and heads for the door, thanking him for his help. Enrique stops her with an arm, the way she grabbed his, and finishes the plea she’d started earlier: “Help me.” He says he’s about to do something “really hard,” and it would help to have her with him.

I don’t know what magic potion tvN’s taken, but they’ve done such a great job with this Oh Boy/Flower Boy series. What impresses me is that they feel like fully conceived artistic works, in the way that films maintain a stylistic constancy from start to finish. I don’t doubt that this is more difficult to produce in a television show with many more episodes, but the number of series that are bolstered by this kind of cinematic touch are certainly in the minority. Whether or not you’re a fan of the tvN shows (or even cable at large), they have managed to be a step ahead of broadcast television in letting directorial flair and tone shine through. I’ll always take a great story over those things, but once you’ve got a compelling story in place, I appreciate the drama that sets up a world, an atmosphere, a stylistic sensibility that pulls the whole thing together rather than just looking cool for the sake of cool.

Now, for this story: So far my favorite thing about it is Dok-mi. Thank ye for an interesting heroine for once! Okay, so it’s not like they don’t exist in dramaland, but they do appear to be, sadly, a minority population. The heroes get all the good, meaty stuff and the heroines just… are there to be motivators, sometimes catalysts, and in the worst cases, objects.

What strikes me about this pairing is how alike Dok-mi and Enrique are, despite appearances suggesting the complete opposite. She barely ever talks, and when she does it’s a hushed flurry of nervous words. He speed-talks like a grade-schooler, his vocab peppered with tons of cut-down words and slang and aegyo tones. He puts me in mind of a hummingbird buzzing around a flower, actually.

But it’s hinted that Enrique’s talk is a defense, just as Dok-mi’s is avoidance. He puts on that sunny front and bombards you with dialogue, and barely lets you—or himself, I suspect—register that there’s anything beyond that surface.

In that sense, I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually were a genius, though perhaps not simply in the way the world defines it, as the kid who designed a game at 17 years old and now is wildly successful. Perhaps it makes him more emotionally acute, seeing as how he honed right in on Dok-mi’s sense of loneliness. It’s something nobody really notices or pays mind to other than Jin-rak, and he (1) has had three years to study her, and (2) is still kinda wrong. At least in defending her as transparent and pure and totally not looking in on that apartment when she’s totally peeping the hell outta that window.

So what we have are two isolated, lonely souls with an uncanny ability to communicate despite their respective obstacles. Maybe the whole telepathy thing is a little out there, but I appreciate the idea behind it.

January 8, 2013 at 8:18 PM

January 8, 2013 at 8:19 PM

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I've been seriously suffering from lack of dramas that hold my interest this "season". Sooo glad that it's picking up again!

And dammit! I love Enrique as a character but KJH is just so.damn.perfect. to me. I've loved him in variety shows and I love him in dramas, no matter how mediocre. And wow, this drama is turning out to be anything but. I have a feeling I'm going to have a lot of conflicts watching this.

What's the poll so far you guys?! Jin-Rak? Enrique? The Hyung? Another Flower Boy?

January 8, 2013 at 10:08 PM

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Jin Rak, Jin Rak, Jin Rak.... HAHAHHA

I am all crazy trying to identify which is the male lead, or which is the second lead, becos.... I want the quiet silent guy to win the girl and yet that kinda always represent the 2nd lead who is always there for her... aargh..

Another week to go!!

Thank you sooo much girlfriday and javabeans for introducing yet another wonderful gem to me, I have seen both eps and now longing for mooooore....

January 9, 2013 at 6:12 AM

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Enrique. Both guys are great. But at the end of the day, I think he's a better match for her. He understands her so well without having to actually listen to her speak, and realizes exactly how lonely she is. As opposed to Jin-rak who's been keeping up with her for years and still only encourages her to be in her desolate bubble.

January 9, 2013 at 3:47 PM

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I'm voting Enrique~ Jin Rak (though also a very likeable character~) seems to have some kind of illusion as to who Dok-mi really is, and likes that fantasy-version of her (right now, anyway). But Enrique seems to understand her naturally, somehow.

I also think what she needs right now isn't someone who will just protect her little bubble (though the sticky-notes are an incredibly sweet gesture ><), but rather someone who bursts it and gets her to come outside.

January 9, 2013 at 6:33 PM

January 14, 2015 at 5:09 AM

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Totally agree with you! And the preview of the third episode shows the same thing. I have to watch the 3rd episode but it does show Enrique giving dok mi tips about how to connect with the outer world.

January 9, 2013 at 6:00 PM

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JINRAK , JINRAK, JINRAK, JINRAK oh did I say JINRAK!!!! Definately JINRAK all the way..... I love the idea that Dokmi thinks she is invisible and doesn't know that what she is doing/going through, Jinrak is doing the same... watching her from far, loving her from far...just the way she is...no pressure..he just likes her just the way she is...JINRAK.....

January 8, 2013 at 8:22 PM

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I just love love this drama. Both leads are fabulous and interesting. The second lead is adorkable and all the other side characters feel real as well. I can't wait to see where this one goes. So far, so cute. And yet there is still a sense of isolation and loneliness from our leads. Dok Mi literally hides from the world while Enrique hides behind his fast talk. They're so sweetly messed up as to be perfect for each other.

Thanks so much for recapping this one. The drama recaps here just enhance the viewing experience.

January 8, 2013 at 11:38 PM

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I KNOW right?? But I hope Kim Ji Hoon is not the 2nd lead? They are all so fresh that I am not sure which guy is considered the 1st lead... which I guess makes the drama all the more delicious since we are constantly guessing hehehe But I am guessing she won't end up with the first guy of her infatuation, since he and the other girl clearly have a love-line of their own, which Enrique wants to back out gallantly from... He seems more like a lovable little brother to Park Shi Hye's character than a boyfriend....

January 8, 2013 at 8:59 PM

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"The heroes get all the good, meaty stuff and the heroines just… are there to be motivators, sometimes catalysts, and in the worst cases, objects."

I agree wit this. Lots of fairies in dramaland--heroines that are there for nothing more than bright sunshiny smiles and kid words to lift the hero out of his miserableness. I like when they switch it up or when it's reversed even. *Hugs the minority*

January 8, 2013 at 8:48 PM

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Thanks so much for the recap. I've never thought much about broadcasting stations.
..but rather, about the shows and the actors (American born and conditioned to having cable for numerous choices)
After several years of watching Kdramas...and seeing how formulaic each of the Big 3 are in creating SO VERY SIMILAR shows---I can honestly say:
I am a FAN of tvN's style.

I give special kudos to the music director/s. The sound effects and music-riffs are delightful-- perfectly placed. And as has been mentioned - the *mood* is artfully done without being overly-...um...overly.
Like Flower Boy Band...this new show has got that something-something. I like it. (highly recommended)

January 8, 2013 at 8:59 PM

January 8, 2013 at 8:56 PM

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thank you! btw i don't think it's "transparent" that they're referring to, but "invisible." because 투명해 is mostly used as clear/invisibleness and that's probably what dok mi wanted when she was being bullied too :/ that's the impression i get

January 9, 2013 at 3:55 AM

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I am loving JR because he is just waiting there for her, patiently watching over her, trying his best not to force his will on her, which is what E is doing, (even though E is so adorable it doesn't feel forced), and though I get that the heroine needs to heal and come out of her shell, in real life, it will take more than a pretty boy with a charming smile....right? haha....

It just makes me sad because we can see that JR has been the one who draws her a cute cartoon everyday on her packet of milk.... ( which she never throws away SQUEEEE) But as the second lead....*shakes head repeatedly*

And it doesn't help his case when he is now drawing a webtoon based on her life.... *covers eyes when that comes to light* but... once she voices her innermost thoughts, which can be quite sarcastic, might also break the perfect timid image he has built about her 'kindness'and transparency... because, actually, she is quite opaque in that sense LOL

January 8, 2013 at 9:00 PM

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Thanks for the recap! I liked this ep better than the first one (already a good one) and apparently, I'm not the only one since the ratings increased a lot. (Ep 3 will be a wild ride!)
Back to ep 2. Enrique is perfect for Dok Mi because he is pro-active with her. She doesn't need to be protected: She does that very well on her own. She needs to be shaken out of her routine and comfort zone. You know the old saying "It takes one to know one." She is a traumatized person and Enrique has obviously a scar in his life: He reminds me of those humorists who are able to put a crowd in stitches but are depressed once at home. He is alive when he gets people happy around him. He needs to be needed. That's also why he likes to play Cupid.
A person who needs to receive love and attention and one who just needs to give them to feel alive: A match made in heaven.
I feel like the second male lead could end with his boss/editor: If he likes transparency, he will be served! When she's angry, happy, sleepy, enthusiastic... It's literally written on her face. Plus she seems to see herself in Dok Mi easily, like if they were sisters.
That show looks like an inoffensive cotton candy drama but is richer than you could think. Love it!
Sidenote: Originally, tvN said they would do 3 Oh Boy! series. I really hope they will change their mind and continue in that vein. The concept is just too good to be thrown away. :)

January 9, 2013 at 9:16 AM

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@Mystisith, I so love this show. And yes, that poor Editor! I'm wondering now if the show will have webtoon meta- melo-slice-of-life stuff going on that reflects the real lives of the characters. Jin Rok the creative and Dok-mi the editor. But Enrique is also an artist as well. Heck, most everyone in this drama does some kind of art...except Enrique's hyung (unless medicine is a kind of art.) Just so waiting to see how the screenwriter will pay with the idea of creativity.

I'm for Enrique and Dok-mi, although Dok-mi and Jin-rok isn't a bad combo either. Still, after three years Jin-Rok didn't exactly heal her soul...which i think Enrique will.

January 9, 2013 at 7:03 AM

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"Hide behind the tears of a clown" as they said.
And this is why Enrique became my favorite character in the show. I also love Jin-rak (or rather, I suspect I'm being partial because of Kim Ji-hoon here), he's so sweet and all, but she obviously needs more as you said.

Gah, I totally forgot about the Oh Boy! concept! No, please, dear TvN, don't you dare stop at three!!
Or else, we'll have to take to streets too...

January 10, 2013 at 12:49 AM

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Yup, Enrique is my favourite so far too.

I'm actually okay with Dok-mi too. I was worried her being a weak character that needs rescuing (too much of that in K-dramas) but while she needs (some) rescuing, she actually has her strength and will step out of her comfort zone. That makes me like her. (I so would not have opened that door with six people standing outside debating about me.)

January 9, 2013 at 9:34 AM

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It was fun watching the frenzy online as people tried to watch the first ep and then the second and with no subs available, all resorting to raw after the first few reviews came in as unqualified WOWs...

It kinda feels like we're watching something big happen. And if it's getting great ratings in Korea, finally as international live viewers we get to participate even if it's vicarously. So many times we like something the home audience doesn't or at least doesn't as much. versa.

I ended up watching the second half of the first ep 3 times - first off that justin.tv thing off a tweet from a friend, 2d raw on DC-net, then finally subbed on DF. And then read the recap. It's saying a lot that I didn't get bored even once and giggled perhaps even HARDER on later passes.

January 9, 2013 at 3:10 PM

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Me too, I watched it raw and then subbed. I like what I see already. And as JB and gf pointed out, it seems with the oh boy series, the whole drama has been well thought out AND executed. Feels very 'whole'.

January 10, 2013 at 7:29 AM

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Yes, ti definitely feels "whole." I like the whole meta stuff about communication. Japanese guy who is learning Korean cuisine and will probably communicate his love through food. And Spanish-Korean Enrique -- wonderful Enrique-- who is so perfectly wonderful at communicating at the deepest level and who messes up with normal communication. And the leaky faucet metaphor of Dok-mi...And the writers, editors, artists, interviewers.... oooh, am gonna love seeing how they play with all these shadows/mirrors/tropes of communication. I am sooooooooooo loving the wholeness. I think Faith was good about playing on the various shades of faith and loyalty and this one's gonna do a great job with the whole idea of communication. Am really trusting this drama.

January 12, 2013 at 3:57 PM

January 14, 2013 at 9:28 AM

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That was me exactly, I went nuts trying to find subs and finally caved and watched ep 1 raw because the opening scene (which has practically no dialogue) was SO GOOD. I've watched it both raw and subbed now, but I badly want to rewatch it and that doesn't happen often with any show.

January 9, 2013 at 9:47 PM

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Couldn't agree more!!! Oh boy!!!! I really like the Enrique & Dook Mi pairing. I also like how layered their characters seem to be, and that the show is letting us get to know those layers bit by bit. Oh, I love it when I like a show from the get go! And yes...there had better be more than 3!!!!!!!! *fingers crossed they'll do more*

January 9, 2013 at 1:02 AM

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hahaha...me too, i re-watched it several times and everytime, i can't helped but laugh...i really, really love this drama...can't really wait to watch the succeeding episodes...thank you java beans and girlfriday for the recaps...i'll look forward to your recaps for the succeeding episodes...tnx again!:)

January 8, 2013 at 9:11 PM

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Squee. Thanks for your lovely recap!
I'm so glad you like the show, too! I'm totally endeared to all the characters and the world that this show has created (especially when you think about all the $$ and energy gets devoted to shows that ultimately insult viewers, i.e. Boys Before Flowers).
I feel like a lot of love goes into the show and it's evident from the way the camera zooms over details in Dok-mi's apartment to all the different ways our Flower Boys encounter Dok-mi (i.e. popping up outside her window while she's brushing her teeth).

January 8, 2013 at 9:11 PM

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How I loathed Enrique during his door-slamming feat. I wanna kick his arse for being so damn persistent, especially when Dok Mi started to crumble inside her apartment. But then I can't help grinning when he shifted from monkey acts to a calmer and more civilized persona when Jin Rak and co questions him only to shift again to a hilariously crazy person after seeing Dok Mi. After that scene, I see Yoon Shi Yoon in a better light.

I love how natural Park Shin Hye's acts in this drama. In YAB she got all cute with hilarious expressions and in YFFM she just... well, she did what the script asked her to. But it seems like she's shedding new skin for this drama. I don't hear her much but I feel her character reverberating in this drama. I'm glad that I' seeing a new side of her in FBND, and I'm grateful that she's not being overshadowed by such good-looking men.

You guys are really fast. Thanks for the recap Javabeans. I'm so thankful that you're recapping this as subs are kinda late in coming.

January 8, 2013 at 9:19 PM

I was already flopping around because the perfect second lead was making my heart hurt in Episode 1, but then the second showed me exactly how perfect the main couple are (will) be for each other but.

STILL.

I've loved all of the pretty boy series on tvN. They seem so simple on the outlook, but they've all delved into important issues for the younger generation today in a soft manner - not mocking, but introspective. All of them highlighted how important it is to be courageous and face your past, present and future. All of them also involved career paths and jobs that weren't the norm or not things looked up to in stereotypical korean culture, showing that each individual has their own talents that they should use wisely - and that will make them happy in a way nothing else can (except for maybe a pretty boy all for yourself, heh.) The strength of friendship, definitely. But this one goes a step further; social anxiety rooted in bullying (?).

January 9, 2013 at 2:34 AM

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Beautiful beautiful analysis on why these dramas click.

Seriously, it's almost ironic that the title of the tvN's series is "Flower Boy" because by creating such strong characters, the dramas are showing us that people are much much ~more~ than what their exteriors might suggest.

January 8, 2013 at 9:31 PM

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Omg It's been quite long since I have this second lead syndrome but now I'm feeling it... Like what happened in Flower Boy Ramyun Shop. Enrique reminds me so much of Cha Chi-soo... who I gave up the series because I disliked this character. (and obviously I'm one of the few.)

January 8, 2013 at 9:33 PM

January 9, 2013 at 5:26 PM

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I am SO with you on FBRS! It was my first K-drama and I didn't understand the concept of a "second lead." I went all the way to episode 15 thinking that she clearly had to choose him and when she rejected him I didn't have the heart to continue!

January 8, 2013 at 9:37 PM

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Did anyone else notice the manga Mars in one of the shots from ep 1, which is also about a reclusive girl --although a lot darker? Is the production really that thoughtful...or am I reading too much into it. :)

January 9, 2013 at 2:20 AM

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I didn't read Mars the manga,but watched its drama adaptation (Vic n Barbie), yes the heroine is traumatic by her past-being raped by her step-father- thus chose to live not connecting with people.
But, I'm sorry, I don't find the similarity between the twoi heroins...
Can you explain?

January 9, 2013 at 12:12 PM

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Just a gut feeling: Editor appeared to be demotivated and without any interest in all the projects. But then she had like a "light bulb" moment when JR started telling the story of Dok Mi who lives outside of the world (because of a dark past). It's the kind of reaction you have when you find something you can relate to.
That or else I'm making my own drama in my head. :)

January 9, 2013 at 1:28 PM

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Damn, I didn't notice it...But Mars is one of my all-time favorites so I want to believe it's not just a coincidence...And it'd confirm that Enrique is indeed the one Dok-mi needs, since Kashino was the one who pulled Kira out of her secluded tower and destroyed the walls she built around her.
Maaaaan, you just made me fall deeper for Enrique~~

January 8, 2013 at 9:47 PM

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Lurve.

Cracked up through the entire ep. When Jinrak went all sageuk up in there, I busted out laughing. Hahaha. Enrique is quite the character/hero and I can't wait to see more of him. But Dokmi, like you mentioned, is my fave. I just love her so much already.

Double dose of gush on Mondays and Tuesdays with this and School. Very happy. Ha.

January 8, 2013 at 11:49 PM

GIFs!!! HAHA! I LOVE IT! I was surprised when I saw a gif right there on dramabeans recap! First time ever! But it was super-super hilarious! The high-five-on-the-face scene was epic!!! ROFL

I'm feeling for Jin Rak here...I really have this love for second lead-unrequited love tendency in me and KJH is doing a great job at this. It pains me to know that I'll be expecting a heartbroken KJH here...T_T

January 9, 2013 at 12:02 AM

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I LOVE this show! The leads are such a good match! And can I say how much I missed Yoon Shi Yoon? Such a talented young actor! Maybe, dare I say, the most talented young actor out there?? He is GREAT! And finally a leading lady that has it all: beauty, talent and charisma. I hope they get good ratings. Best of luck for FBND!

January 10, 2013 at 3:09 AM

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I would squee for those little adorable panda boxers...yes, it would have been a lot more hilarious. This show is so sweet and heartwarming. I am slowly turning into a PSH fan watching this, and trying to forget her role in YAB. I hated that show like no other.

January 10, 2013 at 9:40 AM

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Me too. I started out liking it, but had to give up halfway through because her character was so stupid. I ended up sitting there wondering what on earth these two guys were supposed to find so appealing about her. I know it was a Hong sisters drama, and you aren't supposed to take any of these characters seriously and just roll with it, but my disbelief can only be willingly suspended so far...

January 9, 2013 at 12:59 AM

January 9, 2013 at 1:13 AM

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oh i've missed the color tones from past flower boy shows. it's not blatant or overly colorful but picks up some gorgeous skin tones and makes it easy on the eyes. this is from someone who regularly applies coloring on graphics to notice though...

January 9, 2013 at 11:13 AM

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I like to think of the tones as how we view dok-mi as of now.
mysterious, dark, and closed.
I think once we get to know her, hopefully they start adding in some skin tones, to compare/contrast her personality from the beginning.

January 9, 2013 at 3:24 AM

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IMO, she was really good in YAB. It's hard to be act that cute and not be annoying and over-the-top. Granted some people did get annoyed at her, but majority liked her super adorable acting. And her melo and crying scenes were so heartfelt and expressively executed.

January 9, 2013 at 4:11 AM

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I became a fan because of yb, but honestly yb was written for JGS with depths and layers... The Hong sister wrote if base oh him...
She was adorable and awesome but her character wasn't ... invested. In this drama, the writer definitely has spend some time and effort on the heroin's role
That's what I wanted to say, because I always feel like she has talent but doesn't have many chances to shine

January 14, 2013 at 10:07 AM

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yeah, I started off really annoyed at her character (at both of them really, the whole novice-nun-good-girl +emo prince thing just seemed so cliche, but she sold me on it by episode 3 and then there was no looking back.

I think part of that was down to the innate hilariousness of her straight-faced constant use of formal language (a quirk PSH added to her character, if I remember correctly, and something even a person who doesn't understand the language that well can pick up). But to make a cutesy character like Mi-nyeo charming instead of annoying is an impressive feat, especially considering how young she was at the time.

January 9, 2013 at 2:27 AM

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"...eyes closed as her shrink asks what she hates most. Answer: “The sound of pounding on a door. A telephone ring. The intercom. My name being called.”..Why does she hate them? “Because it means I have to meet somebody.”She vows, Next time, I should answer like this, I should make this retort. That woman speaks the most impressive lines when she’s alone.” --BOOM! shot through the heart.

Haven't watched any episodes yet but I swear it feels like the writers are depicting the story of my life (well the most part of it). heh. Hope this show turns out well. Best of luck!

January 9, 2013 at 3:49 AM

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yeah, I guess many of us there can easily relate to the heroine. And yes, this is one of the parts for me too (though I cannot think of what could have caused me to feel that way, while our heroine surely has a huge trauma.)

January 10, 2013 at 9:43 AM

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I can't relate to the trauma, but how many times have I thought - much later - of what I should have said in a conversation? What would have been the perfect rejoinder, the closing argument, the wisest sentiment--if only I'd thought of it? I loved her "broken faucet" analogy.

January 9, 2013 at 2:53 AM

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Loved this show already..
Enrique, the crazy panda was wearing a panda hat and panda slippers when Dok mi sees him across in his apartment. But when he rushes out to confront her, he rushes out in this Panda hat, but his shoes has turned to brown slippers.

January 9, 2013 at 2:55 AM

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Man... Loved this recap and this episode! Uhhh, I really hope that Jin-rak won't end up as a typical 2nd-lead, I can't take anymore of those really-nice-passive-makes-one-cry guys.... Enrique is adorable and I totally agree with him seeming like a cute younger brother, but hmmm, maybe he's the only one who can make her open up - being so innocent and cute :)

January 9, 2013 at 8:47 AM

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I, too, have to say my most favorite scene is where she opens her curtains to find this strange man outside her window - his smile was so warm/sweet and her expression of disbelief/shock was so cute and funny, I had to rewatch it a few times!!

PSH's facial expressions are so spot on, I am so impressed by her. She broke my heart on the bullying flashback. It was made even sadder to see that her tormenter was so oblivious to the hurt/trauma she had inflicted - just like in real life. So sad.